This beautiful restored Lancia Aurelia breaks all the rules

Named ‘Fuorilegge’ — Italian for ‘outlaw’ — this is a unique modern interpretation of the world’s first GT

Words: Jonathan Wells

Photography: Ashley Border / Lightflow

Start your engines, gentlemen. This car is not only a one-of-a-kind, but it’s one of a highly-celebrated, meticulously-engineered and very, very beautiful kind.

Inspired by the lines of the most famous Lancia Aurelia B20GT of all, Giovanni Bracco’s 1951 Mille Miglia & Le Mans Series 1, this particular car — nicknamed ‘Fuorilegge’ after the Italian for ‘outlaw’ —was researched and restored by Thornley Kelham.

Thornley Kelham brought together all their Lancia experience to create a unique modern interpretation of what is widely regarded to be the world’s first GT. Thornley Kelham’s experience, vision and creativity coupled with a dedicated and highly skilled team resulted in a dream car, completely comfortable in the 21st century.

It began with a tatty, run-down and unloved donor B20GT. Uneconomic to restore, this first car was transformed by a series of upgrades and modifications, some specified by the customer, some suggested by Thornley Kelham. With a limited series of 8, each new car is set to be unique.

As well as the lowered roof line — mirroring the experimentation by Lancia on Bracco’s Aurelia in the summer of 1951 — other modifications include major modifications to the bodywork including wider wings, strengthened monocoque.

The engine was replaced with the later Flaminia V6, bored out to 2.8 litres and converted to fuel injection. The front suspension was replaced with nitrogen-filled front suspension, dual circuit modern disc brakes were fitted and interiors were designed bespoke to each customer.

The Outlaw Aurelia remains true to the spirit of Lancia, creating a finely engineered car combining period feel with modern comforts. To date, 5 discerning car collectors have ordered and specified their own car that epitomises the golden age of 1950s Lancia, so get your order in fast…